BSMQ PROCESSING UPDATE 25 MARCH 2020
BSMQ has now temporarily closed OFFSHORE processing for subclass 491 due to COVID-19 crisis and the closure of Queensland’s borders on Wednesday 25 March 2020.
BSMQ will inform applicants via the BSMQ website and social media pages when OFFSHORE processing recommences.
BSMQ is open to nominations for ONSHORE subclass 491 applicants who continue to meet Queensland state nomination criteria.
Subclass 190 and all business visas (subclass 188 and 132) have met nomination allocation for FY 2019-20.
New quota will be received in July 2020 and applicants will be required to submit a new EOI for Queensland State Nominated visas (subclass 190, 188, 132) at this time.
Source: Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (https://migration.qld.gov.au)
Impact on applicants for ACT 491 / 190 Nomination
All applicants for ACT 491 / 190 nomination must meet the eligibility criteria at the date of Matrix submission. However, applicants impacted by COVID-19 can request a waiver of the ‘continuous employment’ eligibility criteria in the following circumstances:
- Travel ban
- 14 days self-isolation
- ACT business closure/reduced working hours
Request for waiver
If you are invited to apply for ACT 491 / 190 nomination, any request for a COVID -19 waiver must be in writing, attached to the application and evidenced by supporting documentation.
Source: (http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au)
MIGRATION TASMANIA
Subclass 491: Category 3A – Overseas Applicant Restrictions
The rapidly evolving situation regarding COVID-19 has necessitated temporary changes to eligibility for the Subclass 491: 3A Overseas Applicant (TSOL) nomination category.
As of 20 March 2020, applications for this category are temporarily restricted until further notice to occupations listed in the ‘High Demand’ section of the Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List (TSOL).
Applications under Category 3A lodged prior to this date which specify other occupations will still be considered. Applicants with ‘High Demand’ occupations will, however, be given priority. This means processing times for other Category 3A applications with occupations not listed in the High Demand section will become extended (approximately 6 months from lodgment).
Tasmanian Skilled Occupations List (TSOL) 2019 – 2020
Source: Migration Tasmania
https://www.migration.tas.gov.au
IMMIGRATION SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Due to unprecedented demand, South Australia’s state nominated business visa subclass 188 & 132 program has reached its capacity in the 2019/20 program year.
Immigration SA is now receiving ‘Intention to Apply’ submissions from interested parties who plan to apply for South Australian Nomination once the 2020-21 program year opens for applications.
Interested parties can lodge an ‘Intention to Apply’ enquiry with Immigration SA to register their interest in state nomination.
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT
Important Information about Victorian Government visa nominations and the impact of COVID-19
- If you have received a Victorian state visa nomination and are affected by the travel ban, you should still lodge your visa application online within the nomination timeframes (60 days).
- If the travel ban is impacting on your ability to meet the Victorian Government’s state nomination or Department of Home Affairs visa requirements, keep the documents and evidence on how they have been affected.
- If you are an Australian visa holder and believe your visa has been cancelled due to the travel ban, you’ll have to email immediately at visa.cancellations@homeaffairs.gov.au
All other travelers to Australia, including people who hold temporary, provisional and permanent residency Australian visas, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon the arrival.
Source: Live in Melbourne
https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au
MIGRATION NT
In response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak the Australian Government announced closure of its borders effective from Friday 20 March 2020 at 9pm EST (Eastern Standard Time).
In light of this MigrationNT will stop accepting offshore General Skilled Migration applications for the Northern Territory nomination effective from 12 midnight on Tuesday 24 March 2020 until further notice.
Existing applications received and paid will still be processed in accordance with current service standards.
Source: TheTeritory
https://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-to-work
WESTERN AUSTRALIA – WA Migration Services
Skilled Migration and State Nomination not effected yet
New South Wales
Skilled Migration and State Nomination not effected yet.
